In today’s news, Measure 97’s impact on business, state still seeks buyer for Elliot Forest and Eugene builds a homeless housing project.
1. How Measure 97 will actually impact business
While much of Measure 97 is up for debate, one thing is clear: businesses with high volume sales and a low profit margin will pay a price. Less than a month before the election, OPB and the Oregonian partnered to explore the impacts of the corporate tax proposal. The measure, if approved, would be the largest tax hike in Oregon’s history.
2. Elliot Forest still needs a buyer
The Oregon Department of State Lands is managing the sale of 82,000 acres in southwest Oregon. As OPB reports, there are no offers so far and only a month left to submit proposals. Buyers have to maintain public access to at least 50% of the property, and would have to preserve a piece for old timber and fish habitats. If the property, valued at $220 million, sells the money would go to the Common School Fund.
3. Portland isn’t the only Oregon city to consider a homeless housing project
Eugene is working on its own affordable housing project, set to open in the spring. The Register Guard reports the project, Emerald Village, will include 22 small houses for low-income and homeless residents. The tiny homes will cost between $250 and $350 a month.
4. Portland Medicare groups get small budget boost
The Oregon Health Authority announced two Coordinated Care Organizations, HealthShare and FamilyCare, will receive a 2.7% and 2.4% bump respectively, the Portland Business Journal reports.
5. Mentor Graphics buys Irish Galaxy Semiconductor
The purchase will both improve Mentor’s capabilities and increase Galaxy’s reach, the Portland Business Journal reports. The announcement comes just two weeks after the news that activist hedge fund Elliott Management invested in Mentor.
6. Former Streetcar Chief Chandra Brown named President of Green Endeavor
Brown recently completed her three-year term as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Manufacturing in the U.S. Commerce Department.
7. City Club director resigns
Mike Marshall announced his resignation from Portland City Club yesterday after less than two years in the position. Marshall’s tenure wasn’t without controversy, as Willamette Week reports. As executive director, Marshall invited Gov. John Kitzhaber to participate in a panel while under investigation, had to apologize after the club’s member list was shared with campaigns and neglected to host a debate between City Commissioner Steve Novick and challenger Chloe Eudaly. Both Marshall and City Club President Kourtney Nelson said these issues were not at play in his leave.
8. Wolf management: an update
Here’s an update on the state wolf management plan: new attacks on livestock, a poll and the bureaucratic review process.
9. Will cannabis save journalism?
Editor Linda Baker asks this question while reading Willamette Week’s “Harvest Issue,” an “ode to outdoor cannabis.”
